For 25 Cape Henlopen High School students, summer jobs at Delaware beaches offered more than a paycheck: They also provided college credit, professional experience and a closer look at potential careers.
Through a University of Delaware pilot program, students earned three college credits while working in a hospitality and tourism industry that supports more than 23,500 jobs and generates approximately $2.7 billion in annual visitor spending in Sussex County.
Launched in summer 2026, the pilot brought together UD, Cape Henlopen High School, the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce and local employers to combine paid work with college coursework.
The 25 participating students worked in hotels, restaurants and retail businesses throughout the beach community.
The students represented a range of career interests, from hospitality and business to engineering and other fields, but all shared an interest in gaining professional experience while earning college credit.
Julia Bayuk, associate dean for undergraduate programs in UD’s Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, said the initiative reflects the University’s commitment to working with communities to address local challenges.
“We heard there was a need for seasonal employees at the beach, and together education, business and community organizations created an opportunity that benefits students, employers and Delaware’s economy,” she said.
Throughout the summer, students worked at least 20 hours a week for participating employers, including SoDel Concepts, Starboard Restaurant Company, TKo Hospitality and Toy & Kite. They also completed HOSP 167: Hospitality Internship Experience, a three-credit asynchronous UD course connecting their jobs with professional development and career exploration.
“A summer job teaches students how to do the work,” Sheryl Kline, Aramark Chaired Professor said. “The course helped them understand the bigger picture, how those experiences translate into professional skills, career opportunities and future educational goals.”
For employers, the program offered more than help filling seasonal positions. It also created an opportunity to develop the region’s future workforce.
TKo Hospitality employed seven students at its properties in Rehoboth Beach, Lewes and Dewey Beach. The company also created a mentoring program to complement UD coursework. Students met with supervisors, hotel general managers and human resources leaders to learn about hotel operations and receive feedback.
“I’ve worked in hospitality since I was 13 years old, and it truly helped shape who I am today,” said Drew DiFonzo, vice president of operations for TKo Hospitality and a UD hospitality management alumnus. “I wanted these students to have that same opportunity, to see what this industry can offer and begin thinking about hospitality as a long-term career, not just a summer job.”
DiFonzo said several students exceeded expectations during the pilot, with two continuing their employment after the program ended.
“This program allows students to explore an industry that offers tremendous career potential while helping employers invest in the next generation of hospitality professionals,” he said.
Recent Cape Henlopen High School graduate George Becker, who is attending UD to study mechanical engineering, said his work as a host at The Lighthouse in Dewey Beach strengthened his communication and teamwork skills.
“Working as a host while taking the UD hospitality course has helped me build confidence and better understand the importance of creating excellent guest experiences,” said Becker. “I look forward to learning more about the hospitality industry and applying these valuable skills to my future career in mechanical engineering.”
Kate VanVorst, president and CEO of the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce, said the pilot demonstrates how partnerships among education, business and community organizations can strengthen Delaware’s workforce.
“Growing workforce shortages stunt economic development. Communities must develop unique opportunities to encourage employees to remain living where they are educated and trained,” VanVorst said.
Organizers hope to expand the pilot to other Delaware schools, employers and chambers of commerce, creating more opportunities for students to gain experience while helping businesses develop future talent.
The internship pilot was also featured in the Cape Gazette.
“This summer showed what’s possible when a community comes together around a common goal,” Bayuk said. “We hope that students leave with new skills, greater confidence and a better understanding of the opportunities that exist right here in Delaware.”